Special to The Leader

The South East Texas Regional Planning Commission (SETRPC) recently hosted its 44^th Annual Meeting on Wednesday, January 20, 2016, at 6:30 pm. The Annual Meeting was held at the City of Beaumont Event Centre, 700 Crockett Street, Beaumont, Texas.

The SETRPC is a voluntary association of local governments established in June 1970 that includes Hardin, Jefferson and Orange Counties. SETRPC promotes intergovernmental cooperation and coordination, and provides a forum for the discussion and study of area issues.

Meeting highlights included the installation of SETRPC Officers for 2016 as follows:

Mayor Kirk Roccaforte, City of Bridge City, President

Commissioner Eddie Arnold, Jefferson County, 1^st Vice-President

Commissioner Chris Kirkendall, Hardin County, 2^nd Vice-President

Commissioner Barry Burton, Orange County, 3^rd Vice-President

Mayor Rebecca “Becky” Ford, City of Bevil Oaks, Treasurer

Aldermember Mary Adams, City of Kountze, Secretary

In addition, two Lamar University students were presented scholarship awards. Ms. Sheri Gunby was the recipient of the Don Kelly Scholarship Award in Social Work, and Mr. Mason Gardner was the recipient of the Mayor Frances K. Monk Scholarship in Public Service.